What can we do to boost our memories?

I don't know about you, but for the last few years I have often entered a room and then wondered why I had gone there. It's a common issue - and it does come more as you get older. Another reminder that time is going fast. Lol

But I have also found - I am nearing 53 - that I forget names quicker, my recall of films and actors is going, and many times I am floundering when it comes to recalling song lyrics that I used to be able to sing over and over again.

But can we do anything to help us keep our memories?   Let's have a look at some suggestions by experts (although I am not sure exactly what they are experts in to be honest).

Eggs
Apparently, eggs are rich in Choline - an essential nutrient linked to higher performance in memory tests, and a reduced risk of dementia - so say researchers from Boston University. They should be poached, boiled, or scrambled though - preferably not fried.  Eggs are also a great source of protein and will keep you fuller for longer.

Blood Pressure
This is another reason to make sure you have a healthy bloody pressure as undiagnosed high blood pressure can damage and narrow blood vessels in your brain. Over time, this can sometimes affect memory, cognition and language skills. Lifestyle changes and better nutrition help. But do get checked.

Sleep
Arguably the most important factor in memory formation and consolidation is night-time sleep, says Professor Colin Espie for sleepio.com.  Our own Lazza has serious issues around sleep at the moment - which he puts down to a mixture of stress, a bad knee, and general life.
Apparently, people given a new task to learn recall it more accurately after a period of sleep. Try not to go to bed wired, instead make sure you are tired (I'm a poet!!).

Possible underactive thyroid
If you are tired, gaining weight, and feeling cold, it could possible be as a result of hypothyroidism. If your thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroxine, everything to do with the body slows down, including the brain's function, having an effect of recall and memory. A simple blood test can diagnose the condition, which can then be easily treated with medication.

Alcohol
It probably goes without saying, but if you are boozing your brain processes slow down and your memory can be impaired, says the charity Drinkaware. If you drink a lot, the brain can stop recording into the memory store. This is why you can wake up the next day with a blank about things you did or said. Avoid binge-drinking and count your units. It's common sense.

Physical Inactivity
When you exercise, oxygen gets pumped around the body and into your brain. Aerobic exercise can expand the brain and restore powers or memory lost with age - and this comes from a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.  The best thing is to aim to get outdoors every day for a walk. Also try and do something a bit more vigorous - like dancing, gardening, jogging, cycling etc.All of these things are proven to boost the brain and improve cognitive functioning.

HMHB says:
Our brains are truly awesome, but like anything as we get older they can lose some of their strengths and abilities. Anything we can do that can help prevent this slow down must be a good thing.